The FBI is looking into whether employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs helped in a cover-up. WSJ's Devlin Barrett discusses the investigation on the News Hub with Sara Murray.

FBI Director James Comey confirmed Wednesday that his agency's Phoenix office is investigating criminal allegations within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Comey made his comments before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, where he said the FBI was initiating the investigation in Phoenix but will "follow wherever the facts take us."

The VA has confirmed whistle-blowers' allegations that at least 18 Arizona veterans died while awaiting care in the Phoenix VA Health Care System, and that patient-wait times were manipulated in order for staff to receive financial bonuses.

An audit of VA facilities nationwide confirmed similar allegations in other states. The scandal has prompted the resignations of two top VA officials, and termination actions have been against several administrators including the former Phoenix VA director.

The U.S. Senate today was considering legislation to allow veterans to seek care outside the VA system, and allocate funds to hire more VA medical staff. The House passed a similar measure Tuesday that would also ban all VA staff bonuses through 2016.

The VA's Office of Inspector General had previously indicated that its investigators found evidence of actions that could constitute criminal activity, and that it had requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice. While it is unclear what role the FBI is playing — Comey would not elaborate on his remarks — recent IG reports indicated that VA administrative actions in Phoenix required deeper investigation.

Comey said the inquiry began in Phoenix because that is where the original allegations were made.

Perryn Collier, a spokesman for the Phoenix FBI office, did not respond to requests for comment.

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was among numerous members of Congress to call for a criminal investigation of the VA. He and Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., issued a joint statement Wednesday saying:

"To restore veterans' trust and confidence in the VA, individual employees must be held accountable. The FBI's investigation is a positive signal; but, wherever the evidence shows that crimes have been committed, they must follow through and prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law."